Adventures & Attractions
Arizona’s White Mountain region offers many diverse opportunities for fun and relaxation year-round. Golf courses, festivals, wildlife viewing areas and gaming spots are just some of the popular activities appealing to a range of ages and interests.
Golf
Some of the most affordable, scenic and challenging golf courses can be found in the Pinetop area. Enjoyed by beginners and pros alike, many beautiful courses await.
Things to Do in Pinetop AZ region includes:
• Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club
• Show Low Country Club
• Concho Valley Country Club
• Greer Lakes Golf Resort at River Run
• Pine Meadows Country Club
• Silver Creek Golf Club
• Snowflake Municipal Golf Course
• Bison Golf Course
• Torreon Golf Club
No matter which course you play, golfing in the Pinetop Arizona area is a memorable experience.
Festivals & Events
The beauty and splendor of the Pinetop region lies not only in the scenery, but also in the diverse cultures that make up the area. These cultures and the many people who populate the surrounding cities of the White Mountains are celebrated throughout the year through a variety of festivals, parades, historic celebrations and Native American ceremonials.
Each community offers a unique choice of entertainment. Some of these events include:
- Pinetop-Lakeside—Native American Art Festival and Fall Artisans Festival.
- St. Johns—San Juan Fiestas and Pioneer Days.
- Show Low—Show Low Days
Still Cruizin’ Car Show & Mountain Festival & Fourth of July All Day Festivities. - Snowflake/Taylor—Snowflake Pioneer Days and Taylor Sweet Corn Festival.
- Springerville-Eagar—Chrome In The Dome Classic Car Show and the ATV Outlaw Trail Jamboree.
Wildlife in White Mountain Region
Wildlife is an integral part of the Pinetop AZ region. Ducks, geese, shorebirds, rabbits, coyote, fox, black bear, bobcat, elk, deer, non-game birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals can be observed in their natural surroundings throughout the area. Enjoyable for all ages, 22 different wildlife trails traverse the White Mountains. The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides helpful guidelines for using the trails including tips on when to look, how to look, where to look, how to use field guides and details on specific creatures that can be seen.
The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is home to elk that roam the fields, grasslands and bluffs. Open for year-round enjoyment, there are various trails (two of which are wheelchair accessible) and areas for picnicking and camping. Bird watchers, hunters, hikers, cyclists, horse enthusiasts and nature lovers enjoy this majestic area. The summer months are very popular with many activities and celebrations. The fall provides a unique opportunity for viewing and listening to elk during their mating season. Wildlife viewing is certainly available in the winter too—bald eagles winter in the area and a resident herd of about 200 elk stay year-round. Snowfall is usually moderate, and visitors can still enjoy the hiking trails. The region abounds in other wildlife including antelope, osprey, mule deer, turkey and waterfowl.
The Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area, located two miles north of Pinetop-Lakeside, is a natural wildlife habitat in which wildlife preservation is of utmost importance. Containing seven ponds and 18 islands, furry and feathered visitors to the 130 acres of national forest include ducks, geese, shorebirds, rabbits, coyote, fox, bobcat and elk. The goal of the Jacques Marsh Wildlife Area is to maintain and improve waterfowl nesting, feeding and resting habitat using available treated effluent and to provide hunting and educational use to the public.
Woodland Lake Park stretches over 580 acres and is part of the Trailsystem. The area is open to walkers, horseback riders and cyclists.
The Big Springs Environmental Study Area includes self-guided trails curving through pines and meadows and leading to two streams and a spring-fed pond. Hiking the trails is comfortable and several benches are provided along the trail for resting and viewing. Informative signs along the trail explain the natural history, plants and wildlife of Big Springs. Visitors can learn about the various important wildlife habitats and enjoy activities related to nature study and observation. A great variety of plants, reptiles and amphibians, mammals and birds can be found.
Other areas for wildlife viewing include Beaver Meadow, Becker Lake Nature Area, Pintail Lake and Wenima Riparian Area. Visit azgfd.gov to find out more about the treasured nature and wildlife of the White Mountains.
Casinos
Whether a small-time better or a high roller, there are opportunities to have a good time, kick back and relax in the White Mountain area. One such place is RT’s Black Bull in Show Low. It’s an American-casual sports bar serving good food, good company, and off-track betting for added fun.
The Hon-Dah Resort-Casino Conference Center, in the heart of the White Mountains, is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The resort has 128 oversized rooms, each complete with a wet bar, refrigerator, satellite TV reception, remote-controlled 25” television, phone and game table. Guests can melt stress away by visiting the hot tub, sauna or heated all-season pool. For a lively diversion, the casino features 600 of the newest slot machines,
Blackjack tables, a Poker room and exciting promotions. No one goes hungry at Hon-Dah—daily and weekend buffets are served at the Indian Pines restaurant. The adjacent Timber Lounge provides live entertainment six nights a week and is also known for its scrumptious Sunday brunches. Just off the hotel lobby sits the intimate Spirits Bar, a cigar bar great for relaxing and sharing a drink with friends. Additionally, the resort has many special events including festivals, outdoor concerts and its PowWow on the Pines. For business-related pursuits, an 8,483 square-foot conference center can accommodate a variety of meetings and events with catering available for all occasions. Neighboring the resort complex is a convenience store and gas station, the Ski and Outdoor Sport Store and the Hon-Dah RV Park with 258 sites. It’s no wonder that the Hon-Dah Resort-Casino Conference center has become one of the most noteworthy tourist complexes in the White Mountain area. Visit www.hon-dah.com to find out more!